About Us

Clinical Neuropsychology (the study of brain-behaviour relationships) as a whole is still in its nascency in Malaysia and South East Asia. A niche and highly specialised area of practise in psychology, the clinical neuropsychology profession is relatively new in Malaysia. Owing to the efforts of several individuals who are passionate about clinical neuropsychology, this field has grown to become an area of interest in clinical settings for both psychologists and medical practitioners alike. 

Historically, early efforts of Malaysians in neuropsychology can be traced to some translation and validation studies of several commonly used neuropsychological tests (Zarina & AH, 2007; Zarina & Zaharudin, 2004 as cited in Din, 2011). Some of the earliest research of neuropsychology in Malaysia revolved around investigations of the psychometric properties and utility of Western-based tests (e.g., the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, the Benton Visual Recognition Test, Trail Making Test) and among specific Malaysian samples, such as patients with epilepsy (Normah, Nursan, & Mahadir, 2005, as cited in Din, 2011; Normah, Saralla, Azlinawati, & Raymond, 2008, as cited in Din, 2011), traumatic brain injury (Abdullah et al, 2005), schizophrenia (Midin et al., 2011; Normala, Abdul Hamid & Shamsul Azhar, 2009), and pregnant women (Shamsul et al, 2005). 

Due to the lack of specialized training and certification in clinical neuropsychology in the past, clinical psychologists typically fulfilled the role of conducting neuropsychological assessments when the need arose, basically by "filling in the gap." As early as 2011, reportedly 30 clinical psychologists received training of some sort in neuropsychology (Din, 2011). 

Despite the recognition of the need for more research and practice in clinical neuropsychology in Malaysia, development of this specialty in Malaysia has been relatively slow. One likely reason was the lack of programs offering specialized training in this aspect. As noted above, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia offered a course and some training in neuropsychology as part of its Master in Clinical Psychology program. However, it was only in 2012 that any specific program provided specialty training in clinical neuropsychology. Specifically, Universiti Malaya, through the Division of Neurosurgery, offered a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology (Neurosurgery), with its first graduate completing his training in 2016. In 2018, USM-UPSI began its graduate program in clinical neuropsychology. Given the relatively new program in Malaysia, most current and budding neuropsychologists in Malaysia were trained in full or in part abroad (USA, UK, Europe and Australia).  As of September, 2023, there are three PhD or PsyD qualified Malaysian clinical neuropsychologists practicing in Malaysia.

Recognizing the need to uphold the professional integrity of this field, to protect and educate the public, to promote research in clinical neuropsychology and to advance this field in Malaysia, several established and budding neuropsychologists and clinical neuropsychologists came together to establish a professional society for clinical neuropsychology in Malaysia.

Subsequently, Persatuan Neuropsikologi Klinikal (Society Of Clinical Neuropsychology [SCN]) was officially established on 21st October 2018, with its First AGM held on 15th November, 2018 at International Medical University. SCN has the following objectives:

1. To advance the scientific study and professional practice of clinical neuropsychology and enhance the contribution of clinical neuropsychology for the promotion of public welfare by encouraging the development of clinical neuropsychology,
2. To promote and improve research in neuropsychology, including promoting high standards of professional ethics, competence, conduct, education, qualifications and achievement amongst clinical neuropsychologists, 
3. To promote and advance the dissemination of neuropsychological knowledge and thought through meetings, lectures, professional contacts, reports, papers, discussions and publications, and 
4. To promote the best interest of the profession as well as to keep an updated Register of Members.

The above objectives will be facilitated through the following key areas:

• Ethics
• Practice (Indemnity)
• Education/Training
• Public Policy
• Research
• Register of Members

With the establishment of SCN and as the number of professionals with specialty training in clinical neuropsychology grows, it is hoped that this much needed budding field will continue to develop in Malaysia.